2009 Kia Optima - Great all around mom car

Kristie

Columbia, Maryland

Overall

4.0

Value

4.0

Performance

5.0

Style

4.0

Comfort

4.0

Fuel Economy

4.0

Reliability

5.0

2009 Kia Optima - Great all around mom car

My Kia is a great all around car. It does well in city traffic and country roads. It has enough space to hold everything my baby and I need on a daily basis and for long trips. Maintenance is easy and affordable. The car is very reliable and pretty good on gas mileage. I have never had a breakdown. I love the power of the motor. The 5 speed manual transmission is easy to maneuver. The car's body is attractive and durable.

My Kia is a great all around car. It does well in city traffic and country roads. It has enough space to hold everything my baby and I need on a daily basis and for long trips. Maintenance is easy and affordable. The car is very reliable and pretty good on gas mileage. I have never had a breakdown. I love the power of the motor. The 5 speed manual transmission is easy to maneuver. The car's body is attractive and durable.

Story

City drivers are mean, my kia does very good in maneuvering to avoid accidents. Whether it be speeding up quickly, stopping quickly or swerving.

City drivers are mean, my kia does very good in maneuvering to avoid accidents. Whether it be speeding up quickly, stopping quickly or swerving.

Pros

The car is reliable. Good on gas mileage. Durable body and plenty of storage.

The car is reliable. Good on gas mileage. Durable body and plenty of storage.

Cons

The powerful motor and manual transmission may be too much in busy city traffic. The pedal height could use some adjustment for me to be able to press the clutch pedal completely and my other foot is uncomfortable sitting on the gas for a long period of time. The car does not have cruise control.

The powerful motor and manual transmission may be too much in busy city traffic. The pedal height could use some adjustment for me to be able to press the clutch pedal completely and my other foot is uncomfortable sitting on the gas for a long period of time. The car does not have cruise control.

The car is excellent, and I would (and have) suggested it to many people who are looking to buy a new car. It has the right combination of fuel efficiency and power. The color really pops out as well - I have red.

The car is excellent, and I would (and have) suggested it to many people who are looking to buy a new car. It has the right combination of fuel efficiency and power. The color really pops out as well - I have red.

Story

Passing older Mustangs on the highway and getting "looks".

Passing older Mustangs on the highway and getting "looks".

Pros

The gas mileage is amazing (35+ MPG on highway), without sacrificing too much power (172 HP). It is big enough to fit 5 people with plenty of trunk space. The sporty design catches the eye as well.

The gas mileage is amazing (35+ MPG on highway), without sacrificing too much power (172 HP). It is big enough to fit 5 people with plenty of trunk space. The sporty design catches the eye as well.

Cons

It is pretty basic (no sunroof, 5 disc cd changer, etc.). Not a lot of extras with the model I purchased. There are blind spots that make seeing cars on the left/right of you difficult when using your mirrors. Nothing I haven't been able to manage though. Lastly, the car did not come with a spare tire, but some extensive "fix-a-flat" device. Had to purchase a spare tire separately.

It is pretty basic (no sunroof, 5 disc cd changer, etc.). Not a lot of extras with the model I purchased. There are blind spots that make seeing cars on the left/right of you difficult when using your mirrors. Nothing I haven't been able to manage though. Lastly, the car did not come with a spare tire, but some extensive "fix-a-flat" device. Had to purchase a spare tire separately.